Now 59 and the father of three, Bob stresses the importance of both learning as much as possible through the union’s apprenticeship program and taking advice and instruction from experienced co-workers.

“I advise having a good work ethic, not just accepting work and showing up on time, but putting forth your best effort all of the time,” he recommends. “Pass along the things that you have learned. Show respect for your co-workers and employers.”

A member of Cement Masons Local Union #526’s Executive Board, he also recommends getting involved in the union. By regularly attending meetings, Bob fully understood how the union works and how it benefits members and their families.

“The union ensures top wages and benefits, improves working conditions and safety on the job,” he says. “It provides continuing education on new or updated procedures and products. During my career, I have seen many changes in the industry as far as technology and materials, but understanding the trade itself helps you to adapt to those changes.”

Although Bob Stedila can now begin to see his retirement, it’s not likely to make him any less active. Bob often volunteers to help disabled persons and others through participation in such programs as Habitat for Humanity. He also enjoys gardening and working with wood. He wants be remembered, however, as a cement mason.

“As I reflect on my career, I want to be respected for my years of experience and knowledge, and for my opinions and suggestions to maintain the standards of quality of the Cement Mason’s Union,” he says. “But most of all, I would like to be considered as a friend to my co-workers.”

Robert Stedila (left) sets forms for a new sidewalk prior to a concrete pour at Hopewell High School. Working with him is Richard Rowan, Jr., also of Cement Masons Local Union #526.

addition

Walter J. Bentley II International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #5
		For many people, stringing 20 strands of Christmas lights together and keeping them working throughout the holiday season can be as frustrating as it is beautiful. Just when you think you’re done, either one bulb burns out rendering an entire strand useless or you’ve overloaded a circuit

and the entire house goes dark. But while that may be a common occurrence at Clark Griswald’s house, it would never happen at the Bentley home in Monroeville. Then again, why would it if you have been an electrician for more than 30 years? Couple that with helping to install the historic Christmas tree on the side of the Highmark Building (formerly Horne’s Department Store) for each of the past 15 years and chances are you know what you’re doing when it comes to lighting.

“Electricity may be my passion but Christmas lights are my hobby,” the 52-year-old husband and father of two girls says. “One year I wasn’t even done decorating the outside of my house when some neighborhood kids came up and told me I had won the ‘Children’s Choice Award.’ It’s just something I love to do.”

Inspiring and educating young men and women about a potential career as an electrician are also activities Walter enjoys doing as evidenced by his involvement with Explorers Post 105. Sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #5, Walter and several of his colleagues use the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life Program to mentor 15 to 30 ninth to twelfth grade students annually about the opportunities to become skilled electricians and other building trade workers.

“I want to share with other people who may not know about our trade all that we have to offer,” he explains. “Through our apprenticeship program, you can get educated and it won’t cost you a thing. After five years, you earn a good living wage, have great benefits and build great friendships.”

When Walter graduated from Penn Hills High School, his initial plans were to attend college and pursue accounting. Relatively soon after attending CCAC, he knew such a career was not for him.

“I always liked working with my hands and I liked numbers, but college wasn’t for me” he recalls. “Fortunately, my uncle was an electrician apprentice and he sparked my interest. I saw the opportunity for making a good living, driving nice cars and having money in your pocket. I didn’t really understand how good the benefits were, but everything looked good from the outside.”